Cecelia
Salamone, M.A., LPC
Reach for a Rainbow Caregiving
A
Prayer for the Caregiver
By
Bruce McIntrye
Unknown
and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless,
For
your love, sacrificial, is God at his best,
You
walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,
And
your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.
You are
resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,
You
are the caregiver and you have done well!
Learn to be proactive. Caregiving is a delicate balancing act so you need to continuously be prepared. What are some practical methods?
- Use a 'Sphere of Influence' - You care for your parent, friend, or spouse, from a sphere of influence. The people who influence your loved one may be you, your sister and her husband. You have influence from - your husband, children, the family’s internist and minister. As you continue to care for your loved one, you obtain knowledge and the sphere carries on. Consider all the people who gain and share resources information with you and the individuals in this group. Consider using your 'sphere of influence' and then passing it along.
- Want to relieve tension? Sit in a rocking chair and rock away your troubles. Long standing tradition for people to rock babies in their arms to console them. My grandmother spent countless afternoons relaxing in her rocking chair.
- Exercise lifts your spirits and energy. Start off slow and increase gradually moving to an amount of time that is comfortable. However, consider meeting with your doctor for an evaluation prior to starting an exercise routine. Also if you are new to exercising, consider hiring an exercise coach to develop a plan.
- Open up the blinds in the morning and switch on lights. Light helps us feel more alert than dark.
- Eat healthy breakfasts high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid fat-free because some people crave more food after eating fat-free rather than choosing low-fat. Stay away from fast food. If you do go, check calorie content prior to ordering.
- Comfort foods may taste good - they decrease stamina.
- Respite is not a gift. Learn to ask others for help. If you do not have anyone, develop a plan. Even if you find someone for two hours every other week, it’s a start.
- Stay connected by calling friends and family on a consistent basis.
- Other caregivers understand. They have similar experiences. Join a support group - whether it is one in your community, online or both.
- If you start feeling depressed, seek out professional help.
- Some places of worship have programs and also people you can talk with. With many, you do not need to be a member to participate.
- Maintain physical health with medical and dental appointments. Take medications and supplements as recommended by your health care provided.
- Contact Area Agency on Aging - learn about services in your community. Look for local resources for caregivers.
- Consider Adult Day Care Centers and In-Home Caregivers.
- Take warm baths. Or go in a room, close the door and read or listen to music for 20-30 minutes each day or several times a week.
- Find something that brings you peace- mediation, spirituality, faith, yoga.
- Tears are cleansing. Give yourself permission.
- Appreciate your efforts and do not hold on to guilt.
- Maintain a sense of humor.
My intentions are good but unfortunately I do not do all of these things. Some areas I prefer over others. Caregiving is becomes stressful and has challenges. It is a constant check and balance procedure. Normally, I understand why I am not working on an area and the underlying reason. Being aware and not giving up is essential when caring for you.
Caregivers
- Each day do something especially for you. "Reach
for Your Special Rainbow" - whatever that gift may be and cherish
it.
Designated Caregiver – Resource Manual
For The Caregiver “On Call 24/7”
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